Wallabag vs Pocket
Self-host swap-in for Pocket. · Self-host Pocket · Wallabag on os-alt
Wallabag is one of the open-source self-host replacements for Pocket — license MIT, 20min docker-compose (PHP/Symfony app + MariaDB) to stand up, and $5 vps for a personal install; storage is tiny (text + thumbnails). Compare against Pocket's Free with ads; Premium $4.99/mo (permanent archive + full-text search + custom fonts) — service shutting down July 2025 below.
| Wallabagopen-source | Pocketpaid SaaS | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Read-it-later / web article archive | Read-it-later / web article archive |
| License / pricing | MIT | Free with ads; Premium $4.99/mo (permanent archive + full-text search + custom fonts) — service shutting down July 2025 |
| Starting price | $0 self-host | $4.99/user/mo |
| GitHub | wallabag/wallabag | closed source |
| Setup time | 20min docker-compose (PHP/Symfony app + MariaDB) | SaaS — sign up + bill |
| Monthly cost | $5 VPS for a personal install; storage is tiny (text + thumbnails). | from $4.99/user/mo (Free with ads; Premium $4.99/mo (permanent archive + full-text search + custom fonts) — service shutting down July 2025) |
Switching from Pocket to Wallabag
Pull `wallabag/wallabag:latest` from Docker Hub and run with the official compose file. Wallabag has a first-class Pocket importer: Import → Pocket → enter your Pocket consumer key (one-time auth flow). All saved URLs, tags, and read/unread state transfer; Wallabag re-fetches the article body on import. Install the browser extension and the official Android/iOS apps to replicate the save-from-anywhere flow.
- Good fit for
- Pocket diehards who want a pixel-close replacement — same save flow, browser extension, mobile apps, reader view.
- Weak at
- Recommendation/discovery feed — Wallabag is queue-only; if you used Pocket's Discover, that's gone.
Other open-source self-host alternatives to Pocket
In a terminal? npx os-alt pocket prints Pocket's self-host options —
how the CLI works →
FAQ
Is Wallabag a free alternative to Pocket?
Yes — Wallabag is open source under MIT. Self-host cost: $5 VPS for a personal install; storage is tiny (text + thumbnails).. Pocket starts at $4.99/user/mo (Free with ads; Premium $4.99/mo (permanent archive + full-text search + custom fonts) — service shutting down July 2025).
How long does Wallabag take to set up vs Pocket?
Self-hosting Wallabag: 20min docker-compose (PHP/Symfony app + MariaDB). Pocket is a hosted SaaS — sign up and you're in.
What is Wallabag good at, and what is it weak at?
Good fit for: Pocket diehards who want a pixel-close replacement — same save flow, browser extension, mobile apps, reader view.. Weak at: Recommendation/discovery feed — Wallabag is queue-only; if you used Pocket's Discover, that's gone..